PhD in Fire Ecology & Forest Management — University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro

Key details

• Host institution: University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro
• Location: University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Quinta de Prados, Vila Real, Portugal
• Application deadline: June 9, 2026

Funding

Other EU programme

How to apply

• Apply by email to [email protected] (subject line and attachments per the official instructions).
• Full vacancy text and updates: Euraxess listing.

About the position

The University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) invites applications for one (1) Research Grant within the scope of the R&D project SEVEREFIRE – Assessing fire severity to support sustainable forest management in a changing climate, funded by national funds through the FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, I.P., under grant 2023.16253.ICDT.

Reference

BI/UTAD/39/2026

Scientific Area

Agricultural Sciences

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Admission Requirements

• BSc degree in Forestry, Biology, Environmental Science, or Geography.
• Enrollment in a master’s or doctoral program, or in a non-degree course (mandatory).
• Field work experience in forestry or forest ecology.
• Experience in data analysis, remote sensing, and GIS applied to forest ecology.
• Preferably, holder of a driving license and own vehicle.

Work Plan

• Study area selection.
• Field data collection.
• Data processing and analysis.
• Outreach activities.

Workplace

Forest Sciences and Landscape Architecture Department, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, under the scientific guidance of Professor Paulo Fernandes.

Duration

12 months, expected to start in July 2026. The contract may be renewed according to the FCT Research Grant Regulation (no. 950/2019). If awarded to a student enrolled in a non-degree course, the contract cannot exceed 12 months total.

Monthly Maintenance Allowance

€1,359.64, according to the FCT table of scholarship values. Payment is made monthly via bank deposit, check, or equivalent method.

Selection Methods

• A. Previous knowledge and work experience in fire ecology: 40%.
• B. Field-work and data analysis experience: 30%.
• C. Interview: 30%.

Selection Jury

• Chair: Paulo Alexandre Martins Fernandes, Associate Professor, UTAD.
• Effective Member: Maria Emília Calvão Moreira Silva, Assistant Professor, UTAD.
• Effective Member: Simone da Graça Pinto Varandas, Associate Professor, UTAD.

Notification of Results

Final results will be published as a ranked list on the UTAD Campus Online Page (http://www.campus.utad.pt/bolsasinvestigacao/candidaturas). Candidates will be notified by email. A reserve list will be drawn up, valid for the project’s funding duration or the maximum grant duration, whichever comes first. If no candidate meets the profile, the jury may not award the scholarship. Candidates have 10 working days after disclosure to express their opinion in a prior hearing if the decision is unfavorable.

Application Deadline and Submission

From 27-05-2026 to 09-06-2026. Applications must be submitted via the UTAD Campus Online Page (www.campus.utad.pt/bolsasinvestigacao/lista) and include: curriculum vitae (proving requirements), citizen card number, tax identification number, date of birth, mobile phone number, email address, motivation letter, declaration of honour (requested via email to [email protected]), and documentary evidence of requirements.

Equal Opportunities

All candidates have the right to equal opportunities and treatment, without discrimination based on ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family situation, economic situation, education, origin, social condition, genetic heritage, reduced work capacity, disability, chronic illness, nationality, ethnic origin, race, territory of origin, language, religion, political or ideological convictions, or union membership.